Cocktail Circuit

After Ministry of Sound at Vasant Kunj resembled a Ministry of Cacophony 8212; with the London nightclub reportedly having problems with its Indian franchise 8212; and shut down in less than a year of its spectacular opening, its earlier promoters are jiving again. Anshuman Kapur has opened The Lounge Bar at the Metropolitan Hotel with great acoustics, plush leather sofas and a tempting drinks menu with over 70 cocktails. Doesn8217;t matter it is only a poor echo of the MoS with its impressive glass pyramid and its exorbitant cover charges.

The interiors are minimalist 8212; read more space for dancing 8212; and the curved ceiling and low lighting of erstwhile Ego are still there. If old favourites like Long Island Iced Tea Rs 475 and Manhattan Rs 445 are not good enough, you can go for Boston Iced Tea Rs 500 with whisky garnished with a single peach, or green apple martini Rs 500 with apple chunks drowning their sorrows in triple sec and vodka.

For eats, there are the usual chicken tikkas Rs 500 and paneer tikkas Rs 400. The lobster ravioli Rs 500, with minced lobster stuffed in pasta and drizzled with tomato sauce, did not live up to its reputation, but the tenderloin fillet Rs750, braised in red wine, made up for it. The grilled sole fish Rs 650 laid on a bed of couscous was also exceptionally done.

Those with a spicy palate can order a round of Indian Chaska Rs 500, a piquant improvisation on Bloody Mary, spiked with green chilli seeds. Warning: not for the faint-hearted.

Contact: 42500200